A cache of handwritten letters, stamped, and torn open creates a nostalgic composition in this realistic oil painting by Ciba Karisik.

Scripsit No 21

More Works By Ciba Karisik Oil On Canvas 2019
30 × 40 in 76.2 × 101.6 cm
$6,800
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About Scripsit No 21

A cache of handwritten letters, stamped, and torn open creates a nostalgic composition in this realistic oil painting by Ciba Karisik. Known for his masterful use of fine details and his trompe l’oeil technique (fool the eye), Karisik has elevated the importance of this subject by using strong tonal contrasts between light and dark. The letters are rendered in blues, lilac, white and golden yellow against a dark background. In a digital world, the letter—‘scripsit’ or ‘written by’ reminds us of how much our means of communication have changed.

“I would like the viewer to pause, consider, and behold timeless objects that keep our memories and communicate messages across time.” Ciba Karisik


Ciba Karisik completed a bachelor’s degree in 1985 and a master’s in painting at the Sarajevo Academy of Fine Art. In 1992, Karisik immigrated to Canada where he continued his career. Since then, he has produced a significant body of work and exhibited regularly in solo and group exhibitions. His paintings are held in international corporate and private collections including those of Brian Mulroney, Alex Trebek, Martin Short, Martha Stewart and U2’s Bono.
A cache of handwritten letters, stamped, and torn open creates a nostalgic composition in this realistic oil painting by Ciba Karisik. Image 2 A cache of handwritten letters, stamped, and torn open creates a nostalgic composition in this realistic oil painting by Ciba Karisik. Image 3 A cache of handwritten letters, stamped, and torn open creates a nostalgic composition in this realistic oil painting by Ciba Karisik. Image 4 A cache of handwritten letters, stamped, and torn open creates a nostalgic composition in this realistic oil painting by Ciba Karisik. Image 5